Asked if there was ever a point he didn't think the equaliser was coming, he said: "I didn't to be honest. My only worry was that we'd get slack and let in another daft goal.

"Football-wise, we passed well, the midfield three did well, we were getting through, but the final ball was lacking, we didn't pick the right areas, and didn't hit the target.

"I was hoping we'd go on to win it, but we didn't hit the target. We have to make the keeper work. We worked really hard, the fans were right behind us and we were desperate to get it. A lot of the time, if you get back to 4-4, you shut up shop, but I felt the way we were playing we could go for it. I think getting back to get a point is giving us a massive boost.

"In the grand scheme of things, it's a point we've picked up from a position we didn't think we would get it. We know, if we eradicate the errors we'll stop the goals."

It was yet more defensive errors which cost Dons at the other end, with arguably three of Oldham's four goals down to mistakes in Dons' back three.

Neilson said: "We scored a great goal to get back into it, but we gave away two more silly goals. We all make them, but it's about how we respond. The lads dug a few of their team-mates out a hole, and produced the goods.

"It was strange at half time coming in 3-1 down because we had played well. Defensively we weren't good enough.

"Two weeks ago, we were talking about how long we were going without conceding, and now we;'re shipping goals left, right and centre. But they're all down to individual errors really. We're disappointed to lose these goals, but I don't expect to lose them again.

"In possession I felt we were really good, but defensively out of possession we were all over the place."

The game really hinged on Dons' substitutions. The introduction of Gboly Ariyibi, Ryan Seager and Aidan Nesbitt changed the scope of the game, with all three playing key roles in the comeback.

And Neilson was delighted with the impact all three made, adding: "It's so important for the subs to come on and make a difference. We started 3-5-2, then changed it to get a bit of width. But ultimately it was about the will and desire of the players. It was a great atmosphere in the stadium today too, the best I've had it since I have been here.

"It's difficult to play at a high tempo throughout, the game ebbs and flows. Both sides had periods where they were in total control, and the rest was to and fro. When you lose silly goals, it can knock you back but we kept responding."